The charitable giving arm of Lincoln Financial Group makes grants in the areas of education, arts and culture, and human services for programs conducted in the communities where the corporation has a significant business presence and employee base, including Hartford, CT. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to receive funding.

The Innovation Fund provides one-time grants to spark the creation or expansion of innovative education programs focusing on a particular field each year. The priority area for 2006 is mentorship or internship programs serving high achieving, low- to moderate- income high school or college students. Each grant will total up to $150,000, cover one or two years of program work, and is non-renewable.

The program provides four awards ($5,000 each) to honor psychiatrists, mental health providers, mental health programs, and other community organization that increase public awareness of mental health care, increase access to mental health services, and enhances the quality of care for underserved minorities; especially those who suffer from severe mental illness. The awards focus on patient issues facing underserved populations such as raising awareness, the need for treatment and improving access to treatment. Both new and ongoing activities are eligible.

Youth Garden Grants will be awarded to schools and community organization with child-centered, outdoor garden programs. Priority will be given to programs that emphasize one or more of these elements: educational focus and/or curricular ties; nutrition or plant-to-food connections; environmental awareness/education; entrepreneurship; and social aspects of gardening such as leadership development, team building, community support, or service-learning. Applicants must plan to garden in 2006 with at least 15 children (ages 3-18 years). Youth Garden Grants will be awarded to start-up and established programs.

NickelodeonProgram to Encourage Healthy Play (Deadline: Rolling through May 31, 2006; http://www.nick.com)

The “Let’s Just Play” Giveaway offers children the opportunity to take action and enter for a chance to win $5,000 to improve their school or community program’s fitness resources. Nickelodeon will award a minimum of 20 winners each month, for 10 months, beginning in September. The initiative encourages healthy and active lifestyles for youth and families. Applicants must be 6-15 years of age, partnering with teachers and other community-based leaders. Winners will be randomly selected and announced via Nickelodeon Online the beginning of each month.

Held in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation this is an annual event each October. This year Paul Newman will donate $10,000 to each of 10 selected projects. Anyone can participate and projects can be large or small, stand–alone or part of an ongoing effort. After participating in a project on Saturday, October 22, volunteers may submit an entry form to be considered for an award.

The For Women in Science Fellowship program is open to women postdoctoral scientific researchers only, and is designed to support the aspirational goals of young women pursuing careers in the life and physical sciences as well as math, engineering, and computer science.

These awards honor young people in middle and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Applicants must be individuals enrolled in grades 5-12 and must have engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred, at least in part, during the twelve months prior to the date of application.

The 2006 Citizen Activist Award will honor individuals who have struggled to correct social injustices in the United States. The honorees will share $100,000 and each will receive a sculpture designed by Maya Lin, creator of the Vietnam War Memorial. The award is not presented posthumously, nor is it granted to groups or organizations. Self-nominations will not be considered.

Volvo for Life Awards are made to individuals for their achievements in three categories the reflect Volvo’s core values: Safety, Quality of Life, and Environment. The program’s Grand Award Winner receives a Volvo For Life and $50,000 to a charity of his or her choice. Other category winners/finalists, including one child hero and a Friendship Award for Best Buddies members, will receive gifts of $50,000 or $25,000 for their charity of choice.

This fellowship promotes architectural and community design in low-income neighborhoods with a focus on improving the quality of life through design that promotes human interaction. Applicants submit project proposals created in partnership with nonprofit, community development organizations. Selected fellows live/work in communities for three years to complete full-scale projects that include design, building and/or rehabilitation. Each fellow receives guidance and support from local professionals and a $40,000 annual stipend and benefits.

Trainings and Conferences

The Connecticut After School Network

Regional Meetings and Free Trainings October 4, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Southeastern CT Region meeting will be held at the LEARN’s Main Building, 44 Hatchetts Hill Road, Old Lyme, CT. Registration is required: call (203) 483-1846. Dinner and child-care is provided, but limited to 40 participants.

Greater Hartford Youth Development Practioner Academy

Goodwin College Youth Practice Certificate Next session begins November 4, 2005. Students can earn 12 college credits through Goodwin College. The program includes four hours per week of classes and an extensive fieldwork component, which may be completed at a paid or volunteer worksite. Tuition cost of $2,025 may be covered through Pell Grants, depending on student eligibility. Cycles start every 8 weeks. For more information contact Hery (Eddie) Rivera at 528-4111 or Sandra Ward at 798-8662.

This is a statewide training institute on HIV and employment for AIDS Service and Workforce Development providers, practitioners and policy makers as well as those living with HIV/AIDS. Visit CARC web site for registration information.

CT Association of Nonprofits (CAN)

Visit http://www.ctnonprofits.org for CAN’s Fall Training Catalog. October trainings include: Successful Nonprofit Strategic Restructuring, Making Your Website More Than an Information Dumping Ground, Developing & Sustaining Strong Work Teams and more. Registration forms are available at the link above.

Annual Nonprofit Conference – A Red Letter Day

This third annual event will be held on November 15 th at the Connecticut Convention Center. The Capitol Steps, political satire and comedy group, will perform. Governor Rell has also been invited to attend.

According to the new regulations an organization’s charitable registration will be valid for only one year, requiring annual renewals and late fees if not completed in a timely manner. Visit the site above or call Pro Bono Partnership at (914) 328-0674 for more information on these changes the State charitable registration requirements.

FDIC Consumer News Guide to Money Management for Young Adults

This particular publication offers practical guidance on financial matters and is specifically designed to help young adults learn the right ways to save and manage money. Special features include: Common Mistakes with Money and How to Avoid Them, A To-Do List for Key Stages in Life, and a Financial Aptitude Test. “Taking Control of Your Finances: A Special Guide for Young Adults” is posted on the FDIC website: http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnspr05/index.html.

This program provides free eye care and glasses to low-income children and adults who have no insurance. The child/adult must bring to Lenscrafters a letter of reference stating that they are in need. The letter must be on the letterhead of a school, government agency, faith based or non-profit agency and the referring agency’s tax identification number must be on the letter.

United Way of the Capital Area ( UWCA)

Nonprofit Resource CenterVisit the Nonprofit Resource Center at United Way of the Capital Area for fundraising tips or to research possible grant opportunities. Books and videos are available to help non-profits identify resources for raising funds. The Resource Center is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Call (860) 493-6857 if you would like to schedule an appointment.

Volunteer SolutionsDoes your organization have a need for volunteers? Whether it is for a one-time event or an ongoing basis, post your volunteer needs through United Way of the Capital Area’s Volunteer Solutions. Volunteer Solutions also offers

When you give through United Way, you invest in what matters: successful children, strong families and thriving communities. Please consider sponsoring a United Way Community Campaign at your workplace. Contact Kate Milton, Assistant Director, Resource Development at (860) 493-6856 or kmilton@uwcact.org for more information. Or, please consider making an individual gift: for more information, please visit our web site at www.uwcact.org.

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